Christmas Grab Bag Bars
Festive and sweet, these Christmas Grab Bag Bars combine a buttery cake base with creamy, coconut, and nut topping, perfect for holiday gatherings and sweet tooth cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Mix together melted margarine, yellow cake mix, and 1 egg until well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat together 2 eggs, softened cream cheese, and confectioners sugar until smooth.
- Add flaked coconut and chopped walnuts or pecans to the cream cheese mixture.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake layer in the pan.
- Bake for 45 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting butter for margarine. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the walnuts or pecans. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing. You can also customize the toppings by adding chocolate chips or dried fruits for added texture, similar to Peanut Butter Buddy Bars.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas Grab Bag Bars are delightful on their own but can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a festive touch. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee, making them an excellent treat for holiday gatherings or dessert tables.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh even longer, consider freezing them. Just wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Grab Bag Bars contains roughly 1839 calories, with 22g protein, 188g carbohydrates, and 117g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), protein (45% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1084mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can experiment with other flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate or spice, to create different variations of these bars. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change accordingly, so adjust mix-ins like nuts or coconut to complement the new flavor.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the toothpick comes out wet, allow them to bake for a few more minutes and check again.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance. Just ensure they are cooled completely before storing them in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld together, making them even more delicious when served.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).